Backpacking... For Ever.

[James Kortright]

4) If you are in a non-western country, don't be afraid to ask. Most other cultures don't have the same level of paranoia inherent of these parts, and are more willing to take you on in exchange for a simple and basic standard of living.
.

i have little time left today, so i just second this. But it only works if you know how to deal with hospitality. And yes it includes eating/drinking that smelly stuff and offering your help in the house when no-one is inpolite enough to ask.

Tis very true. Part of travelling is learning to embrace all things bright, beautiful and frankly weird. I have found a good 'standard' mantra to be "smile and the world smiles back at you". Politeness, gratitude and a willingness to be a part of the culture you are in is almost universally appreciated.

 

[ErebianSpawn]

What ho. I'm the compatriot joining Mr McCa on his wonderlust adventure.

Just to add my two-penneth: Help and advice is very much appreciated. It's a pretty big decision we've got to make and we need to know what we're letting ourselves in for and a few tips of the trade.

Many thanks from me too. :3 <3

 

[FallenRainbows]

4) If you are in a non-western country, don't be afraid to ask. Most other cultures don't have the same level of paranoia inherent of these parts, and are more willing to take you on in exchange for a simple and basic standard of living.
.

i have little time left today, so i just second this. But it only works if you know how to deal with hospitality. And yes it includes eating/drinking that smelly stuff and offering your help in the house when no-one is inpolite enough to ask.

Tis very true. Part of travelling is learning to embrace all this bright, beautiful and frankly weird. I have found a good 'standard' mantra to be "smile and the world smiles back at you". Politeness, gratitude and a willingness to be a part of the culture you are in is almost universally appreciated.

I totally agree with both of you, we want to travel to see this culture, not the tourist culture.

Couchsurfing. Look it up.

Edit: Or WWOOFing. Look that up, also.

Oh hell yes! thank you!

 

[Nukey]

Sell cocaine, meth and acid, people are always buying those.

Not a lot of things you can work as on the go that aren't illegal, and, while odd jobs sound nice, the pay is going to be far from capable of supporting you guys. I'd advise being street performers, those with talent usually make good money.

And good luck to you guys, I'm actually considering doing the same thing when I get older, though only for like a month or two to give myself an appreciation for what I have in life.

 

[Aris Khandr]

If you don't know how already, I'd suggest one of you learn to hunt and cook in the wild. When things are rough, people may not be able to give you a job, but they can probably spare a match. Being close to a body of water, and you can probably fish something up. Having a general idea of what plants are good and not-good to eat would be advisable, too.

We (particularly my friend) love the idea of being a hunter, where would you learn such things anyway, or is it a matter of just giving it a go?

I'd start with learning to build a fire. Then buy some meat at the store and practice cooking it over the fire you build yourself. Given that Europe, in general, has rather strict gun laws, your hunting is likely to be restricted to fishing unless you happen to get really good at throwing a spear.

Your best bet is to start small. You're still in school, so you should start taking little backpacking treks on the weekends. Keep a journal, and make note of what problems you run into on these short treks. During the summer, try doing it for a week. Again, taking notes of what problems you run into. Spend your free time after school looking over these problems, and come up with solutions to them.

 

[FallenRainbows]

If you don't know how already, I'd suggest one of you learn to hunt and cook in the wild. When things are rough, people may not be able to give you a job, but they can probably spare a match. Being close to a body of water, and you can probably fish something up. Having a general idea of what plants are good and not-good to eat would be advisable, too.

We (particularly my friend) love the idea of being a hunter, where would you learn such things anyway, or is it a matter of just giving it a go?

I'd start with learning to build a fire. Then buy some meat at the store and practice cooking it over the fire you build yourself. Given that Europe, in general, has rather strict gun laws, your hunting is likely to be restricted to fishing unless you happen to get really good at throwing a spear.

Your best bet is to start small. You're still in school, so you should start taking little backpacking treks on the weekends. Keep a journal, and make note of what problems you run into on these short treks. During the summer, try doing it for a week. Again, taking notes of what problems you run into. Spend your free time after school looking over these problems, and come up with solutions to them.

Good advice, we have been going over the logistics a lot, we did want to go to France for the summer holidays.

(Also by school I mean 6th form we are both 17 at the moment, this isn't a naive notion that it will be butterflies and rainbows)

 

[Esseff]

Anyway, yeah, me and a friend are deciding to pack up and just go, roam the world make our own life live a wayward life on a shoestring.


We need a little help; money. We need to make it on the road, I have looked into:

Travel Journalism:
I assume the pay is peanuts, while something, it won?t feed us. The best sites pay on advert commission but who really clicks such a thing and then buys via that link?
I was also thinking of doing a V-log for the sake of it (we plan to keep a journal anyway)and maybe ask for donations, but again doubt enough if anyone will do that

Busking:
Mixed with the former this seems like the best way for us to make our way to make money

Odd Jobs:
Would be ideal, but finding enough to feed us on a permanent basis is unlikely especially during off peak season.

Others:

Help us please!


P.S: We don't mean a lot of money by any means, it's half to point. We mean enough to eat & drink, with maybe a little leftover each day.

P.S.S: For others, share you experience (or lack of) in backpacking, do it for a year, a month or a lifestyle, I'd love to hear from you, for those who have not, why not and would you?

When I was 18, I did that.

I'd never been on a plane before, never traveled before, but it ended up being a life changing experience.

Finding a job won't be as hard as you think. If you can sling drinks, there's always someone who will be willing to pay you under the table. Or, you could work in a restaurant if you have line cook experience (or you could bus tables), or flip beds at a hotel, or front desk at a hostel, any of that stuff.

It's best if you have connections before you leave, but bring a resume or two, or just talk to the management.

Have fun brother. More people need to get out and see the world.

 

[Dr Snakeman]

Damn. To quote an episode of Doctor Who:

"(You're) completely insane!"
"That... and a bit magnificent!"

Good luck. It sounds like something I'd like to experience, but I'm in college right now, and I'll be otherwise occupied for anywhere from eight to 20 years after graduation.

Maybe one day when I'm some old, retired ex-colonel. Just take a trip on foot, Forrest Gump-style, across these United States...

And now I'm just rambling. Good luck! Don't die!

 

[Aris Khandr]

(Also by school I mean 6th form we are both 17 at the moment, this isn't a naive notion that it will be butterflies and rainbows)

When you said "finishing school", I was figuring uni. With that in mind, I'd suggest that you start looking into odd jobs now. Things you can do on the weekend or during your holidays. Don't worry about the pay so much, just get the knowledge and experience you'll need for later. If you do make any money at it, put it away. Have a savings account set up. This will be vital in case of a major injury. If you don't end up needing it, you'll have the money you've saved waiting for you when you're ready to start living a more normal life.

 

[Communist partisan]

Robbery, nuff said

 

[SilentCom]

I guess it depends on where you'll go backpacking to. If you'll be travelling around in the wilderness you could learn how to hunt, fish, or forage for food I guess. If you don't want the wilderness route, it would be rather difficult to make money. Maybe you could try being a travelling musician if you have any musical talent?

 

[SleepyOtter]

Hey this reminds me of a Series I'm writing.

Here [http://mscanyon.tumblr.com/post/3909884839/walker-the-beach]

I know that didn't really help your question, and to be honest I'm just trying to get more people on my Tumblr.

Yeah I'm a bad person, sue me.

 

[FallenRainbows]

Anyway, yeah, me and a friend are deciding to pack up and just go, roam the world make our own life live a wayward life on a shoestring.


We need a little help; money. We need to make it on the road, I have looked into:

Travel Journalism:
I assume the pay is peanuts, while something, it won?t feed us. The best sites pay on advert commission but who really clicks such a thing and then buys via that link?
I was also thinking of doing a V-log for the sake of it (we plan to keep a journal anyway)and maybe ask for donations, but again doubt enough if anyone will do that

Busking:
Mixed with the former this seems like the best way for us to make our way to make money

Odd Jobs:
Would be ideal, but finding enough to feed us on a permanent basis is unlikely especially during off peak season.

Others:

Help us please!


P.S: We don't mean a lot of money by any means, it's half to point. We mean enough to eat & drink, with maybe a little leftover each day.

P.S.S: For others, share you experience (or lack of) in backpacking, do it for a year, a month or a lifestyle, I'd love to hear from you, for those who have not, why not and would you?

When I was 18, I did that.

I'd never been on a plane before, never traveled before, but it ended up being a life changing experience.

Finding a job won't be as hard as you think. If you can sling drinks, there's always someone who will be willing to pay you under the table. Or, you could work in a restaurant if you have line cook experience (or you could bus tables), or flip beds at a hotel, or front desk at a hostel, any of that stuff.

It's best if you have connections before you leave, but bring a resume or two, or just talk to the management.

Have fun brother. More people need to get out and see the world.

Thank you, an amen to the last.

Damn. To quote an episode of Doctor Who:

"(You're) completely insane!"
"That... and a bit magnificent!"

Good luck. It sounds like something I'd like to experience, but I'm in college right now, and I'll be otherwise occupied for anywhere from eight to 20 years after graduation.

Maybe one day when I'm some old, retired ex-colonel. Just take a trip on foot, Forrest Gump-style, across these United States...

And now I'm just rambling. Good luck! Don't die!

Using that next time someone says that.

I saw hostel and to me that is what happens if you go back packing. I know its a movie but its the truth to me.

that only happens if you go to a un-named ex-soviet block country and travel in a group of three.


OT: I dont exactly see why you want to choose to do this forever

I mean, yea, seeing nature, meeting new people, doing new things, but trying to make a lifestyle out of it?


essentially being slightly higher than a bum?




My advice for you is a little simple than what most people have already given you.


Test the waters first, go at it for a month or two at a time and see if you are honestly capable of living that way, while on your first few trips, make notes of what you are currently carrying and plan on what you would absolutely need and how to maximize your carrying capacity.


An example, having three blankets might sound pretty awesome, but in the end you might only need one, or none at all, thus freeing up more room for other essential items that you might not of thought you really needed.






Also, always carry a good knife, you never know exactly when you will need one. I suggest looking at http://www.gerbergear.com/ for knives and other tools that might be useful during your treks.





also, I am ashamed at the rest of the thread posters........ Always....ALWAYS.......bring a towel.......

Amen to the towel. Also thank you for the link, the plan is to go at it all guns blazing, for the sake of doing just that.
Also as a previous poster said 'High Class Hobo'.

(Also by school I mean 6th form we are both 17 at the moment, this isn't a naive notion that it will be butterflies and rainbows)

When you said "finishing school", I was figuring uni. With that in mind, I'd suggest that you start looking into odd jobs now. Things you can do on the weekend or during your holidays. Don't worry about the pay so much, just get the knowledge and experience you'll need for later. If you do make any money at it, put it away. Have a savings account set up. This will be vital in case of a major injury. If you don't end up needing it, you'll have the money you've saved waiting for you when you're ready to start living a more normal life.

I see the logic in that, much obliged.

Hey this reminds me of a Series I'm writing.

Here [http://mscanyon.tumblr.com/post/3909884839/walker-the-beach]

I know that didn't really help your question, and to be honest I'm just trying to get more people on my Tumblr.

Yeah I'm a bad person, sue me.

Actually on that note, I was hoping to maybe just write a book about our travels, maybe a fictitious version and a factual one.

(Shameless self promotion!)

 

[Ulixes Dimon]

Is your friend a "friend" or just a friend? If not you may want to find a "friend" as it may become very very lonely.

 

[FallenRainbows]

Is your friend a "friend" or just a friend? If not you may want to find a "friend" as it may become very very lonely.

A friend, as in a friend. Funny you should mention that really...
But with my boyish charm and handsome good looks, his animalistic charm and rugged good looks, we should be fine

 

[Sarge034]

Good luck and god speed.... but you aint getting any of my money.

 

[FallenRainbows]

Good luck and god speed.... but you aint getting any of my money.

I don't expect to, and thank you? I think...

 

[Ulixes Dimon]

Is your friend a "friend" or just a friend? If not you may want to find a "friend" as it may become very very lonely.

A friend, as in a friend. Funny you should mention that really...
But with my boyish charm and handsome good looks, his animalistic charm and rugged good looks, we should be fine

What's funny about it?
Don't forget condoms and lube!